Jomalig, officially the Municipality of Jomalig , is a 5th class municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 7,667 people. It is the least populated municipality in the province. It is part of the Polillo Islands.

Etymology

Although many old Jomaligins (its locals) do not know or cannot remember where Jomalig derived its name, there are a few old residents, one of those who usually recites the history of Jomalig during the inaugural remembrance every 18th day of June coinciding with the Culture and Art Day, is the Local History Secondary Teacher Mrs. Tessie Basto and, the Local Civil Registrar, Mrs. Bernadette Cuevas who still remember the legend from their ancestors. According on the story, "There was a Datu who lived on the island and had a beautiful daughter. A young man from a neighboring island wanted to marry the princess but Datu didn't agree with it. The Datu said that he would only give his daughter if the young man could roam the island in just one day and successfully shoot three fish in every pond on the island. The young man took the Datu's challenge. After he roamed the island, he almost finished the marathon, but in the end, failed to do so because he nearly died. He arrived at the finish line hopelessly and at this point, he requested the princess to kiss him as the only reward he could receive. The people in the island witnessed what happened she kissed the young man and they shouted: "Humalik" ("They kissed" in [[Tagalog language from that time on, the people on the island named it "Humalik". Many years later, Humalik became Jomalig. Many old residents say that the Americans changed the name when they conquered the Philippines.

History

Jomalig Island was previously part of the adjacent town of Polillo. Because of the geographical location of Jomalig, the district found it difficult to be recognized and established which further contributed to its slow development. It was only in the year 1952 when Jomalig, Quezon was subdivided for agricultural and residential lots, as sponsored by Polillo Mayor Mamerto Azarias and the Municipal Council. Only through the inauguration by then-Congressman Manuel S. Enverga (Quezon–1st) did the civic leaders geared towards self-reliance. It instigated them towards development in agriculture and with this, many people from the Bicol Region migrated for richer pastures and an uplifted livelihood. On June 18, 1961, Jomalig Island was separated from Polillo to become a separate municipal district by virtue of Republic Act No. 3372. Originally spelled as Jumalig, it comprised four barrios: Bucal, Casuguran, Gango, and Talisoy.

Geography

Jomalig Island is about 75 nmi southeast of Polillo Islands. Mostly, the land of Jomalig is cultivated for agricultural land use. Most of the inhabitants of this island depend on coconut products, rice, fish and other root crops. Considered one of the smallest and farthest island municipalities of Quezon Province, its land area is at 5665 ha. Some of its lands have been alienated and dedicated land is mostly coconut land, of which there is 3,104.0 ha, with 2,605 ha being forests, swamps and grassland. The inhabitants of this municipality originate from different ethnic groups similar to those of Eastern Samar, Bohol, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte and mostly from Quezon Province.

Barangays

Jomalig is politically subdivided into 5 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

Economy

<!-- Commenting unreferenced section # Tourist attractions While walking at beaches, you may feel like you're walking in foreign island. It's a kind of Pine tree that grows in tropical place or beaches. The island has golden and of course white sand. While traveling at the sea and reaching the place, you might seen the snow-like beaches. The Jomalig compared to the famous Boracay Island because of their white sand. It's like desert paradise in the middle of ocean. Sand that is much larger than white sand, that shines as gold. Always has its low tide, it remains beautiful view of sand forming like farming area. The most exciting activities in Island is traveling in a traditional fishing boat. Some tourists bring their own materials for diving. Many coral and sea creatures can be seen in the deep area of the sea. Driftwood is the result of flashflood in Real, Quezon and it bring by the wave. Driftwood is not only beautiful, but has a purpose as a place to sit on while you're in the beach. Pollilo Islands, especially Jomalig offers a vast array of exotic sea food including ifferent types of fish, lobster, shrimp and crab that are plentiful, very fresh and larger than you have possibly ever seen before. The reefs can be viewed over a large part of the ocean. The long beach offers exciting tours by walking at the pine tree covered white sand. The Bakawan which grow in rows, provides warmth to the air on land. You can also ride by a boat in the mud river to view these trees. An isle that forms of two separated rocks, it is only reachable by boat unlike other isles which can be accessed by walking. This is the most famous Isle in Jomalig and shelters many wild birds. Most exciting in these isles is that ine part of Manlanat is home to white birds and the other side is inhabited by black birds. It always sinks when it is low tide so people think it is magical and mysterious. An old historical fish cage which stands as bridge that is considered very dangerous. However, today, it serves as tourist attraction. Originally the only airport was in Polillo Island (now, there is a mini airport in Balesin). It has beautiful meadow which can be for your jogging, running and exhilarating walking enjoyment, A delicious kind of fruit that mostly found at Polillo Island. This famous fish is considered by Jomalig citizens as the most delicious fish in the world. A church that serves the one and only God. People here are humble and a good citizens because they God-fearing people. They serve God. You can see the beautiful island of Jomalig, even the beautiful hearts of people live in it. End of commented section. -->